Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, has expressed excitement over the commencement today of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, describing it as a celebration of the talent, energy and potential of young people across the state.
Araba said preliminary reports indicating the participation of nearly 1,000 athletes, alongside coaches and officials from the 16 local government areas, underscored the depth of sporting talent at the grassroots.
He commended the Kwara State Government and all stakeholders for providing the platform for young athletes to compete, interact and showcase their abilities.
He also welcomed the completion of the Pa G.B. Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall, describing the international-standard facility as a valuable addition to Kwara’s sporting infrastructure.
«“This festival is about our young people. It gives them an opportunity to compete, build discipline, discover their abilities and dream bigger. We should celebrate every young Kwaran who is participating,” Araba said.»
Araba, whose commitment to grassroots sports has included support for sporting competitions and emerging talents, said his philanthropy in sports was rooted in the belief that investing in young people is investing in the future of Kwara.
He wished all athletes and officials a successful festival and urged participants to compete with discipline, sportsmanship and determination.
The maiden edition of the Kwara State Football Association FA Cup, proudly sponsored by Stefolga Group and Flow FM through the leadership of Engr. Femi Sanni, reaches its exciting grand finale today, marking a significant milestone in grassroots football development across Kwara State.
It will be recalled that Stefolga/Flow FM recently sealed a ₦50 million sponsorship deal with the Kwara FA to support the competition an initiative widely celebrated as a major boost for football growth, youth empowerment, and talent discovery in the state.
Since the tournament kicked off about a week ago, clubs from across Kwara have displayed exceptional talent, passion, and determination, competing fiercely in both the male and female categories.
In the men’s final, Kwara United F.C. will face Gaa Akanbi FC in what promises to be a thrilling showdown, while the women’s final will feature Moje Queens FC against Mode Queen FC.
Both matches are set to take place at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, where football fans and supporters are expected to troop in large numbers to witness the historic conclusion of the competition.
Stakeholders across the sports sector have praised the sponsorship by Stefolga and Flow FM as a bold investment in sports development, especially at the grassroots level, giving young athletes and local clubs a stronger platform to shine and compete at higher levels.
As anticipation builds across the state, football lovers eagerly await the final whistle that will crown the first champions of this prestigious competition under the new sponsorship era.
…Sponsorship Aims to Revitalize Grassroots Football, Boost Competition
The Kwara State Football Association has officially sealed a landmark ₦50 million, three-year sponsorship agreement for the Federation Cup with Stefolga and FlowFM, in a strategic move to boost grassroots football development in the state.
The signing ceremony, held at the premises of FlowFM in Ilorin, attracted key stakeholders in the football community and marked a significant step toward revitalizing one of the state’s oldest football competitions.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of Stefolga and FlowFM, Femi Sanni, commended the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the FA leadership, and participating teams for their commitment to football development.
He described the sponsorship as “just the beginning of many more goodies to come,” assuring stakeholders of sustained support for the growth of the game.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara FA, Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, lauded Engr. Sanni for his pivotal role in recent successes recorded within the state’s football ecosystem. He specifically credited him as instrumental to the President Federation Cup 2025 triumph by Kwara United FC, as well as his contributions to the ongoing renovation of the Main Bowl of the state stadium.
The FA Chairman expressed deep appreciation for the sponsorship, noting that it would significantly enhance the competitiveness and organization of the Federation Cup. He also urged clubs across the state to take full advantage of the registration window, emphasizing that the competition remains a vital platform for talent discovery and exposure.
He further charged Kwara United FC to rise to the occasion and successfully defend their title, reinforcing the state’s growing reputation in Nigerian football.
The sponsorship deal is expected to inject new energy into the competition by improving organization, incentives, and visibility for participating teams.
The event also featured the presentation of kits and jerseys to participating clubs, including Kwara United FC, ABS FC, and Gaa Akanbi FC, among others.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, has concluded plans to host its 2025 Personality Lecture, during which several distinguished personalities will be honoured for their contributions to sports and community development.
The event, scheduled as part of the association’s end-of-year activities, will hold at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, SWAN Secretariat, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
The ceremony will feature special recognitions for individuals who have made notable impacts in sports development, media excellence, and public service. The awardees include:
Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
Air Vice Marshal L. I. Oluwatoyin
Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) FNICE, Chairman, stefolga, Flow FM, and Araba FC
Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, Board Member, TETFUND
Alhaji Mohammed Olatunji, CEO, Ilorin Motors
Veteran broadcaster and former NTA General Manager, Alhaji Hammed Adio, will deliver the lecture with the theme: “6 Years of Purposeful Leadership: Rebuilding Institutions, Empowering Athletes and Positioning Kwara for Sports Excellence.
Chairman of SWAN Kwara, Ayodeji Ismail, who will host the event, said the lecture and awards are aimed at celebrating individuals whose efforts have advanced sports growth and strengthened media stakeholder collaborations in the state.
The programme is expected to attract sports administrators, athletes, journalists, and top government officials.
…Governor AbdulRazaq Approves International Standard Facilities in Sports Infrastructure Push
#KwaraRising
Kwara State has commenced comprehensive rehabilitation work at the Olofa Stadium in Offa, marking the first major upgrade of the sporting facility in recent years. The project, approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the State Executive Council meeting, includes installation of alternative power supply, expanded pavilion capacity, water-sprinkler systems, and international-standard natural grass turf.
Additional improvements feature a solar-powered borehole and professional pitch upgrades that will transform the stadium into a fully equipped sporting venue. The development continues the administration’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, following earlier renovations at Kwara State Stadium Complex, Indoor Sports Hall, and specialized courts for tennis, baseball, and squash.
Offa residents and football enthusiasts have welcomed the renovation, noting the potential to inspire young athletes and increase community sports participation.
…As government upgrades 32-sport complex, Offa and Lafiagi stadia
#KwaraRising
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been commended for what stakeholders describe as the largest and most comprehensive investment in sports infrastructure in the history of the state.
Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji, said the administration’s massive renovation of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin — including the Pa Gabriel Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall which alone cost over ₦2 billion — has repositioned Kwara as a major sports destination in Nigeria.
“This indoor sports hall alone has gulped over ₦2bn. Government has also invested in the football field, tennis court, squash court, and several others. Not many sectors have enjoyed as much support as sports from His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the last six years,” Magaji said during a media tour of the stadium by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council.
He described the stadium as unmatched in Nigeria for its scope and design, housing facilities for 32 different sports in one complex — a feat, he said, that neither Lagos, Abuja, nor Ibadan stadia can match.
“Our sports complex is the only one in Nigeria where you can play almost every sport within a single location except golf. Abuja has packages A and B, but even those don’t compare to what we have here,” he added.
Magaji said the administration’s investment is not limited to the state capital, citing the ongoing reconstruction of the Offa and Lafiagi stadia as part of the Governor’s plan to decentralize sporting facilities and give equal opportunities to athletes across senatorial districts.
He noted that the state’s performance in national competitions has significantly improved under the AbdulRazaq administration, rising from 23rd to 5th place in recent National Sports Festivals — the best performance in Kwara’s history.
“The Governor has given us all the necessary encouragement, financially and morally. Some of our athletes who left Kwara before are now eager to return because of how much the Governor has changed the face of sports in the state,” Magaji said.
He also praised the Governor’s athlete reward policy, which grants ₦1 million for gold medalists, ₦500,000 for silver, and ₦300,000 for bronze winners. Coaches and officials also receive incentives, while top-performing athletes, including those with disabilities, have been gifted brand new cars.
At the Kwara Football Academy (KFA), Magaji lauded the Governor for renovating hostels, dining halls, and clinics to enhance student welfare.
Students of the academy — Abdullahi Hassan, Saad Ahmad, and Adnan Muhammad-Akanbi — described the facilities as among the best in West Africa, noting that the structured academic and training programmes have improved their development both as students and athletes.
“I love football, and I chose KFA because it is one of the best academies in Nigeria,” said Hassan.
Ahmad added: “KFA is one of the best in West Africa. They take good care of us. We have good accommodation, reliable electricity, and a well-equipped medical facility.”
Magaji concluded that Governor AbdulRazaq’s long-term vision for sports development has placed Kwara among Nigeria’s leading sporting states, creating opportunities for young talents and strengthening the local economy through sports tourism.
…Athletes deliver strong performances in para-powerlifting, cycling, swimming, karate, and table tennis
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Team Kwara athletes are making their mark at the ongoing 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), holding at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, with a haul of gold, silver, and bronze medals across several categories.
Ridwan Adebayo powered to victory in the 49kg Para-powerlifting event, clinching a gold medal for the state. His win was followed by another golden moment from cycling champion Abdulrasaq Falilat, who triumphed in the women’s road race to secure Kwara’s first gold in cycling at this year’s Games.
In swimming, Team Kwara earned two bronze medals. Ojo Shammah impressed in the 100m butterfly (female category) to claim a spot on the podium, while the girls’ 4×100m medley relay team also battled strongly to win bronze.
Para-table tennis added another medal to the tally, with Ridwan Mustapha securing bronze in the boys’ singles event after a spirited performance against his Abia State opponent in the semi-final.
Kwara’s karate team also delivered medals despite tough challenges. Awe David secured the state’s first medal in the sport, winning silver in the Kumite male (-50kg) category after narrowly losing to Edo State’s Desmond Izengbuwa in the final. Later, Adam Ajayi fought bravely through injury to win bronze in his category, raising the karate medal count to one silver and one bronze.
With these results, Team Kwara continues to show resilience and promise in Asaba, positioning itself as a strong contender at the 2025 National Youth Games.
……Governor AbdulRazaq praised for sports investment, Rashidi Yekini Stadium upgrade
Mallam Abdullahi Yusuf, Chairman of Abraysports FC and the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) Kwara Chapter, has praised Kwara United’s technical crew and players for their strong showing at the Value Jet Preseason Football Tournament.
Speaking after watching the team secure a 3-2 win over Ikorodu United and a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors, Yusuf — popularly known as Abray — said the matches reflected notable tactical improvements.
However, he urged the technical team to give other goalkeepers and players a chance to prove themselves, stressing that preseason is the best time to integrate new signings and build squad confidence.
“Suraju Ayeleso is excellent, but others deserve a chance to prove themselves as well,” Abray said.
He noted that the focus of the preseason should not be solely on winning, but also on preparing adequately for the CAF Confederation Cup and the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Abray also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his investment in sports, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rashidi Yekini Stadium. While admitting that the stadium’s readiness for the Confederation Cup remains uncertain, given the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) approval of Uyo Township Stadium and MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, he said the upgrades will be of long-term benefit to the state’s sporting development.
…Says Kwara-born athlete is an inspiration to a new generation
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has congratulated Mariam Eniola Bolaji for winning gold at the 2025 British and Irish Para-Badminton International Tournament, describing the achievement as another milestone in her remarkable career.
“I join sports lovers around the world to celebrate the legendary para-badminton talent Mariam Eniola Bolaji on yet another incredible feat on the global stage as she emerged global champion (gold medalist) at the just concluded British and Irish Para-Badminton International Tournament 2025,” the Governor said in a statement.
He praised the Kwara-born athlete for her determination, hard work and courage, noting that her consistent success is establishing her as one of the best para-athletes in the world.
“Eniola stands as an inspiration to our younger generation that there is no limit to what they can achieve in life. Her journey continues to inspire millions,” he said.
AbdulRazaq urged her to remain focused and ambitious, assuring her of the state government’s support as she pursues even greater achievements in the years ahead. He recalled that his administration recently named a sporting facility after her in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
“Thank you for making Africa, Nigeria and Kwara proud once again, Eniola,” the Governor added.
…State Celebrates National Sports Festival Medalists with Cash Rewards
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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hosted and rewarded the state’s 2024 National Sports Festival medalists during a ceremony at the Ilorin Banquet Hall on Friday. Gold medalists received N1 million each, silver medalists N500,000, and bronze winners N300,000, with coaching staff also receiving financial recognition.
The state’s contingent secured six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals at the Abeokuta-hosted tournament. Governor AbdulRazaq praised the athletes as “heroes” whose achievements brought honor to Kwara, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to sports development.
In a landmark announcement, the Governor revealed the settlement of a N201 million sign-on fee debt owed to Kwara United FC players and coaches for 16 years. “This underscores our commitment to athlete welfare,” AbdulRazaq stated, highlighting recent infrastructure upgrades including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and continental-standard squash courts.
Sports Commission Chairman Bola Magaji credited the achievements to the Governor’s support, noting increased international representation for Kwara athletes. Former Sports Commissioner Hameed Adio commended the administration’s dual focus on sports and education.
The event was attended by sports administrators, local government officials, and SWAN Chairman Ismail Ayodeji, who urged hosting Kwara United’s continental matches in Ilorin to boost local morale and economy.
